Manassas police release sketch of threatening letter suspect

Manassas City Police describe the suspect as a male with light brown to black hair, light to medium complexion, medium build, and average height. (Courtesy Manassas City Police)

UPDATE: Thursday – 3/14/2013, 6:59pm ET

WASHINGTON – Manassas City Police have released a sketch of a suspect in the case of threatening letters left at several homes since December.

Police describe the suspect as a male, light brown to black hair, light to medium complexion, medium build, and average height.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Crime Solvers’ anonymous tip line at 703-330-0330, or to call the Manassas City Police Department Investigative Services Division at 703-257-8092.

The Manassas City Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in these cases.

“There is at some point a word or two such as that, that is threatening. Sometimes there are some expletives in there. It’s generally 15-20 words,” Nevill says.

The same person — who is not a public figure — is named in each letter, but police have not identified him to protect his privacy. Nevill says the man who is singled out has talked with detectives and they are working to determine why he is repeatedly mentioned.

At this point, police have no motive for the threats. Police have recovered fingerprints from the letters,and are working with crime labs.

Nevill is asking for the public’s help in reporting people suspiciously approaching homes.

“If they hear their doorbell ring, or hear anybody at the front door, look before they open,” says Nevill.

The notes began appearing in December, but stopped for several months, before resuming the week of March 2.